Money is in some respects life's fire: it is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master.
P. T. BarnumRead
The common man, no matter how sharp and tough, actually enjoys having the wool pulled over his eyes, and makes it easier for the puller.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often prefer ignorance over facing uncomfortable truths, facilitating deceivers in their actions.
This quote by P. T. Barnum suggests that the average person tends to accept deception rather than confront difficult realities. It highlights a tendency in human nature to seek comfort in naivety, thereby inadvertently aiding those who manipulate or mislead them.
Themes
IgnoranceDeceptionNaivetyHuman NatureTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about media representation, one could use this quote to illustrate how the public often prefers sensationalism over facts.
More from P. T. Barnum
All quotes βNo man has a right to expect to succeed in life unless he understands his business, and nobody can understand his business thoroughly unless he learns it by personal application and experience.
P. T. BarnumRead
True economy consists in always making the income exceed the out-go. Wear the old clothes a little longer if necessary; dispense with the new pair of gloves; mend the old dress: live on plainer food if need be; so that, under all circumstances, unless some unforeseen accident occurs, there will be a margin in favor of the income.
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No man ever went broke overestimating the ignorance of the American public.
P. T. BarnumRead
I don't care what the newspapers say about me as long as they spell my name right.
P. T. BarnumRead
The desire for wealth is nearly universal, and none can say it is not laudable, provided the possessor of it accepts its responsibilities, and uses it as a friend to humanity.
P. T. BarnumRead
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